Medical Tool Kit

ABSTRACT

A medical tool kit is provided for packaging, storing, and transporting medical instruments and tools of various types. The medical tool kit is capable of providing continuing sterilization to the medical instruments and tools kept inside the medical tool kit after the tool case is opened during its normal use in a medical procedure. The medical tool kit is further capable of emitting a GPS tracking signal to identify the location of an opened medical tool kit during an emergency as well as creating hands free communication between the user of the medical tool kit and local emergency institutions.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/827,412, filed on Mar. 23, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/177,177, filed Oct. 31, 2018, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,639,122, issued May 5, 2020, which is a divisional of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/846,793, filed Dec. 19, 2017, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/539,376, filed Nov.12, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,844,417, issued Dec. 19, 2017, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/228,085,filed Sep. 8, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,911,677, issued Dec. 16, 2014,all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a medical tool case for packaging,storing, and transporting medical instruments and tools. In particular,the invention relates to a medical tool kit capable of providingcontinuing sterilization of the medical instruments and tools keptinside the storage case, during the normal use of the medical tool kit.More particularly, the invention relates to a medical tool case equippedwith a global positioning system (GPS) or other locator signal sourcethat automatically emits a signal upon opening of the case to aid firstresponders in locating the case's (and by extension, the patient's)location. A further aspect of the invention provides the user with twoway communication to the local emergency department by utilizing amicrophone and speaker, and display, such as a touch screen liquidcrystal display (LCD). More particularly the invention is equipped withaccess to a library of certified medical procedures as defined by state,regional, and local regulatory agencies. The invention further providesthe user with an external light source and robust carrying handleassembly.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various medical procedure kits have been used for packaging, storing,and transporting medical instruments and tools for diagnosis, treatment,and other medical procedures. Typically, medical instruments and toolsare sterilized before being packaged in a sterilized storage case. Thestorage case is then sealed to prevent the sealed medical instrumentsand tools from contamination.

When using the medical procedure kits during a medical procedure, theuser opens the storage case and removes a medical instrument and toolfrom the storage case as needed in a particular medical procedure. Thenon-selected medical instruments and tools remain in the storage caseuntil they are need in the medical procedure.

Once the storage case is opened, the medical instruments and toolsstored inside the storage case can be subjected to contamination, evenwhen the medical procedure is conducted in an operation room. Suchcontamination can compromise the sterilization of the medicalinstruments and tools stored in the medical tool kit.

Further, prudent residents within areas prone to natural disasters, suchas a hurricane, tornado, mudslide or earthquake, will include a firstaid kit and/or other medical treatment paraphernalia in their disasterpreparedness supplies. Nevertheless, in cases of serious injury during adisaster, receiving proper care in a timely manner is dependent uponemergency personnel and other first responders being able to quicklylocate the injured.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a sterilizing medical kit, which iscapable of maintaining the sterilized condition of the medicalinstruments and tools stored in the storage case after the storage caseis opened during the medical procedure. The medical kit is furtherequipped with a signaling device, such as a GPS tracking device, whichautomatically activates upon opening of the kit so as to enable firstresponders to locate the kit and injured party. Upon locating theinjured party, the medical kit provides the user with hands free audioand visual connection between local medical centers, emergency personneland a certified database of regulated procedure protocols.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a medical tool kitincludes top and bottom halves. A tray holding medical instruments andtools is arranged in the bottom half and a UV light assembly is arrangedin the top half. The top and bottom halves of medical tool kit aresealed in a closed position to maintain a sterile condition of themedical instruments and tools therein. Upon opening the medical toolkit, the UV light assembly directs UV light onto the medical instrumentsand tools stored inside the medical tool kit to prevent contaminationwhile the instruments and tools are waiting to be used during a medicalprocedure. The kit may be designed to be procedure-specific with someindicia to indicate the particular use. In one embodiment, the medicaltool kit is a disposable kit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a medical kitincludes a case housing with a first housing part and a second housingpart, wherein the first and second housing parts are movable relative toeach other between a closed position and an open position, one of thefirst and second housing parts being configured to hold at least one ofa medical instrument, a tool, or a supply. The medical kit furtherincludes a seal sealing an interior of the housing when the first andsecond housing parts are in the closed position, so that contaminationof the at least one of the medical tool, the instrument, or the supplyis prevented by the seal, whereby a sterile state of the at least one ofthe medical instrument, the tool, or the supply is maintained while thecase remains in the closed position. The medial kit may further includea light assembly, such as a light emitting diode (LED) assembly arrangedon the exterior of the first and/or second housing parts. Furthermorethe medical tool kit contains a handle assembly.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a switch may beconnected to the internal battery and the external LED assembly locatedon the exterior of the first and/or second housing parts. When actuated,the configured switch completes the electrical circuit between theinternal battery and LED assembly. A UV lamp is arranged in the casehousing and is actuatable when the housing is opened from the closedposition to maintain the sterile state of the at least one of themedical instrument, the tool, or the supply when the case is in the openposition. The medical kit further includes a global positioning system(GPS) tracking device as well as hands free audio and videocommunication devices.

The medical kit may comprise a lamp assembly connected to one of thefirst and second housing parts, the UV lamp being part of the lampassembly. According to a further embodiment, the lamp assembly ispivotally mounted to the one of the first and second housing parts sothat the lamp assembly is pivotable from a storage position to anoperable position in which the UV radiation is directed onto the atleast one of a medical tool, a medical instrument, or a medical supply.The lamp assembly may be held in the storage position against the secondhousing part in the closed position of the case housing and the lampassembly may pivot away from the second housing part when the housing isopen to the operable position in which the UV radiation from the UV lampis directed onto the at least one of a medical instrument, a medicaltool, or a medical supply. The lamp assembly extends approximately 90degrees from the second housing part in the operable position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a medical tool kitincludes top and bottom halves. A tray holding medical instruments andtools is arranged in the bottom half and a two way communicationassembly is arranged in the top half. Upon opening the medical tool kit,the two way communication devices such as a microphone, speaker, andtouch screen enabled liquid crystal display assembly directcommunication signals towards the user thereby allowing the user toacquire vital hands free procedure instructions and communication withlocal medical personnel. Furthermore the two way communication assemblyallows the medical kit user to use voice activated commands.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a medical tool kitincludes top and bottom halves. A tray holding medical instruments andtools is arranged in the bottom half and tablet assembly is arranged inthe top half. The tablet assembly may be comprised of a customizedtablet device similar to an Apple Ipad, Microsoft Surface, or SamsungGalaxy and mounting hardware so that the tablet device may becomedetachable from said top half. The tablet device may contain but is notlimited to a two way communication assembly with microphone and speaker,GPS device, battery, touch screen LCD, programmable memory, a centralprocessing unit, and wireless connectivity.

The medical kit may further comprise an LED assembly connected to one ofthe first and second housing parts. The medical kit further contains amechanical switch located on the exterior of one of the first or secondhousing parts of first and second handles. The switch is connected tothe battery located on the interior of the medical kit and to the LEDassembly. Furthermore, the LED assembly is actuatable while the medicalkit remains in the storage position and the handle assembly is in theoperation position.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the medical kit maycomprise a handle assembly connected to one of the first or secondhousing parts and associated external switch parts. Further the handleassembly can extend in a direction normal to the medical kit when in useto provide more space for the users hand and actuate power to the switchand LED assembly thereby creating the user control for the LED assembly.When not in use the handle can retract into its respective first orsecond housing part, thereby minimizing the footprint of the medical kitand cutting off power to the LED assembly and switch.

A switch may be used to control the UV light and be configured toactuate the UV light when the lamp assembly is proximate the operableposition.

A second switch may be used to control the external LCD assembly and beconfigured to actuate the LED assembly when the user applies force.

A battery is connected to the UV light, communication devices, externalLED assembly and GPS tracking device for powering the UV light,communication devices, external LED assembly and GPS tracking device. Aswitch controls the UV light communication devices, and GPS trackingdevice and is configured to actuate the UV light communication devices,and GPS tracking device when the case housing is proximate the openposition.

The medical kit may further include an aerosol sprayer containing anantiseptic material. The aerosol sprayer may be automatically actuatableto spray the at least one medical instrument, medical tool, or medicalsupply when the housing is opened from the closed position. A switchcontrols the UV light, GPS tracking device, communication device and theaerosol sprayer and is configured to actuate the UV light, GPS trackingdevice, microphone, speaker, LCD screen and the aerosol sprayer when thecase housing is proximate the open position. Furthermore, upon actuationthe GPS device transmits time stamped geographical coordinates that maybe used to allow a concerned party to become aware that the medical kithas been opened and is in use.

In one embodiment, first and second liners inserted in said first andsecond housing parts, respectively. In this embodiment, the seal mayadditionally or alternatively be arranged between said first and secondliners. A tray holding the at least one of a medical tool, a medicalinstrument, and a medical supply is held in one of said first and secondliners.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description considered in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that thedrawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as adefinition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should bemade to the appended claims. It should be further understood that thedrawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwiseindicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate thestructures and procedures described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote similarelements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a medical tool caseformed according to the invention in a closed position;

FIG. 1A shows a detail of the medical tool case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the medical tool caseof FIG. 1 in an open position;

FIG. 2A shows a detail A of the medical tool case of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2B shows a detail B of the medical tool case of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lower casing and bottomliner of the medical tool case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the lower casing andbottom liner of the medical tool case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of detail A of FIG. 4 showing a hinge piece;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower casings of the medical toolcase of FIG. 1 with the hinges installed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an installed hinge piece of the lowercasing of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the medical tool casing of FIG. 1showing the insertion of the top liner onto the hinge;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the medical tool case of FIG. 1 showingthe top liner in the installed state;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the opened medical tool case of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9A is a cross section view of line A-A through FIG. 9;

FIG. 9B is a cross section view of line B-B through FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the partially closed medical tool case of FIG.8;

FIG. 10A is a cross section view of line C-C through FIG. 10;

FIG. 11 is an exploded schematic view of a lamp assembly;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the medical tool case of FIG. 1 showingattachment of the lamp assembly;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lamp assembly showing theattachment to the front of the top liner;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of detail B of FIG. 13 showing a dashpotused to connect the lamp assembly to the top liner;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the medical tool assembly kit showingthe attachment of the upper casing to the top liner;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the medical tool assembly kit showingthe attachment of a tool support insert;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of detail J of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the complete medical tool kit assembly;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view through line G-G of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the medical toolassembly according to the present invention with an aerosol spray;

FIGS. 21A to 21E shows the medical tool kit in normal use in which themedical tool kit is opened from a closed position, while the sterilizingUV light is opened from a closed position to an operating position;

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the medicaltool assembly according to the present invention with a globalpositioning tracker;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the lower casings of the medical toolcase of FIG. 22 with the hinges installed;

FIG. 24A to 24C are perspective and top views displaying an embodimentof the medical kit with the external LED assembly, handle assembly andswitch in the operational position;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are perspective and top views displaying an embodimentof the medical kit with external LED assembly, handle assembly andexternal switch in the storage position;

FIGS. 26A and 26B are perspective and front views of an embodiment onthe medical tool kit according to the present invention with a two waycommunication assembly comprised of a microphone, speaker, and display;

FIGS. 27A and 27B are perspective and front views of an embodiment onthe medical tool kit according to the present invention with a tabletassembly comprising a tablet device and mounting hardware; and

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the medical tool kitshown in FIGS. 27A and 27B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a medical tool kit 1 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention in closed and partially opened positions. Themedical tool kit 1 generally includes upper and lower casings 10, 12,which can be configured in various forms for storing and retainingvarious types of medical instruments and tools inside the medical toolkit 1. In one example, the medical tool kit 1 includes a tool supportinsert 14 to be fit in the lower casing 12 and configured for supportingvarious types of medical instruments, tools, and supplies. The upper andlower casings 10, 12 can be joined to each other by any of variouspivotal joints and hinges, so that the upper and lower casings 10, 12are movable into the open and closed positions. The detailedconfiguration of the medical tool kit 1, including the upper and lowercasings 10, 12, will be described below.

The upper and lower casings 10, 12 of the medical tool kit 1 can beclosed to seal the medical instruments and tools therein. In oneexample, the rims 16, 18 of the respective upper and lower casings 10,12 are formed to seal against each other when the medical tool kit 1 isin a closed position. One or more locking devices 20 (see FIGS. 2A and2B) are provided to secure the upper and lower casings 10, 12 in theclosed position. For example, the locking device 20 can include one ormore latches 22 formed on one of the upper and lower casings 10, 12 forengaging a complimentary slot structure 38 in the other one of the upperand lower casings 10, 12. Various other types of locking devices canalso be employed to secure the upper and lower casings 10, 12 in theclosed position.

The upper and lower casings 10, 12 can be opened to an open position toallow access to the medical instruments and tools stored inside theupper and lower casings 10, 12. In one example, each locking device 20includes a lock release 24 (see FIGS. 1A and 2A) for releasing the latch22 from a locking position to allow the upper and lower casings 10, 12to be opened to the open position. Here, the lock release 24 includes atab or button 32 that can be pressed inward, i.e., toward an interior ofthe medical case. The tab 32 and latch 22 may be formed as part of thelower casing as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Alternatively, the latch and/ortab may comprise a separate component attached to the casing byadhesive, fastener, or any known or hereafter developed connection. Apreferred embodiment of latch and tab is described in more detail below.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the upper and lowercasings 10, 12 has a substantially rectangular shape. Additionally oralternatively, the upper and lower casings 10, 12 can be formed bymolding or various other known methods. The upper and lower casings 10,12 can be formed of various materials suitable for medical usage. Forexample, metal (such as stainless steel) and plastic materials can beused to form the upper and lower casings 10, 12. In one example, theupper and lower casings 10, 12 can be made of medical grade resins.

The details of the various components of the medical tool kit 1, as wellas the process of forming and assembling the medical tool kit 1, areillustrated in FIGS. 3 to 19 and will be described below.

FIGS. 3-5 show the lower casing 12 with a bottom liner 36. On oneexample, the bottom liner 36 is closely fit inside and permanentlyattached to the lower casing 12. Alternatively or additionally, thebottom liner 36 is welded or otherwise connected to the lower casing 12.Although the embodiments depicted include a bottom liner 36 received inlower casing 12 and a top liner 36 received in the upper casing 10, inan alternative embodiment the casings may be molded so that they do notrequire the liners.

Referring back to FIGS. 3-5, a hinge 30 is provided to join the upperand lowers casings 10, 12 while allowing the upper and lower casings 10,12 to pivot between the open and closed positions. In one example shownin FIGS. 3-5, two hinge pieces 130 are pivotally connected to the lowercasing 12. FIG. 6 is a detailed view of one of the hinge pieces 130showing a boss or projection 130 d pivotally connected to the lowercasing 12. A pivoting axis 135 of the hinge 30 is formed at a locationaway from the rim of the lower casing 12 so that when the upper andlower casings 10, 12 are in the closed position, the medical tool kit issealed along the upper and lower rims 16, 18 of the casings 10, 12 by asealing gasket 19 to prevent the content inside the medical tool kitfrom being exposed to possible contamination (see FIG. 2). To provideclearance for the opening and closing movement, the portions of the rims16, 18 behind the pivoting axis 135 of the hinge 30 each have a curve 10a, 12 a (see FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A), that avoids interference between thetwo parts. Optionally, a spring mechanism, such as spring 131 acting onthe hinge piece 130, can be incorporated in the hinge joint 30 to assistin opening the medical tool kit 1 in a known manner.

FIGS. 3-5 also show a battery 33 provided to supply power to one or moreUV lamps 64 (see FIG. 11), as is described below. In one example, thebattery 33 is installed inside the medical tool kit 1, therebyminimizing exposure of the interior of the medical tool kit 1 through anexternal electrical contact. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-5, thebattery 33 is mounted between the lower casing 12 and the bottom liner36 proximate the hinge joint 30 by various known or hereafter developedmethods and electrically connected to the UV lamps 64. However, thebattery may also be arranged at any other suitable location in themedical tool kit 1. In FIGS. 3-5, the battery 33 is located in the lowercasing 12 to minimize the weight of the upper casing 10.

As further shown in FIGS. 3-6, the lower casing 12 includes one or morebuttons 32, which can be subjected to deformation upon activation of thelock release 24. For example, the release buttons 32 can be formed of arubber material and co-molded with the lower casing 12. The releasebuttons 32 are deformable inward by manual pressure to allow the user toactivate the lock release 24 located inside the medical tool kit 1 asdescribed in the embodiment below. As one skilled in the art willappreciate, various other materials can be used to form the upper andlower casings 10, 12.

In FIGS. 7-8, a top liner 34 is connected to the hinge pieces 130, whichare already pivotally mounted in the lower casing 12 and bottom liner36. Various methods can be used to form the top and bottom liners 34,36. For example, the top and bottom liners 34, 36 may be injectionmolded. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge pieces 130 are snap fitinto the top liner 34. However, any known or hereafter developedconnection between the hinge pieces 130 and the top liner 34 may beused. FIG. 9 shows the connected top liner 36 in the open position andFIG. 9B show cross sections of the respective hinge piece 130 in theopen position. FIG. 9B shows an example of a snap fit connection in thatresilient portion 34 a of top liner 34 holds abutment portion 130 a ofhinge piece 130. FIG. 9B shows a cross section of a center latch piece132, which will be described in more detail below. In addition, aresilient abutment 36 a on the bottom liner 36 facilitates holding thetop liner 34 in the open position. FIG. 10 shows the top liner 34 in apartially closed position and FIG. 10A shows a cross section of centerlatch piece 132 in that position. Although two hinge pieces 130 areshown, one or more hinge pieces may alternatively be used. For example,a single one of the hinge pieces 130 may be used at the location of thecentral hinge piece 132 in an embodiment requiring only one hinge piece.

In the depicted example, the top and bottom liners 34, 36 are formedwith one or more of the locking devices 20. In the example shown inFIGS. 7-8, a pair of locking devices 20 are located on the lateral sidesof the lower liner 36. The locking devices 20 are adapted to be releasedupon simultaneous operation of the lock release 24, thereby preventingunintended opening of the medical tool kit 1 during handling. Thelocking devices 20 can be in various forms such as, for example, a latch22, formed on the lower liner 36. The latch 22 engages a complimentarystructure, such as the slot 38, formed in the upper liner 34. When themedical tool kit 1 is in the closed position, the latch 22 on the lowerliner 36 is inserted in the slot 38 on the upper liner 34, therebylocking the upper and lower casings 10, 12 in the closed position.Instead of being arranged on liners 34, 36, the latch 22 and slot 38 maybe arranged on the upper and lower casings 10, 12 or another elementthat is attached to the upper and lower casings 10, 12. If the upperliner is not present, the latch is received in a slot 38 in the uppercasing 10. Likewise, if the lower liner is not present, the latch 22 isconnected directly to the lower casing 12.

The latch 22 for each locking device 24 is a plastic or metal piece thatis inserted into the bottom liner 36 at or proximate the tab 32. Asshown in FIGS. 3-4, the latch includes a boss 22 a interacting with thebutton 32 and a latch piece 22 b that provides the locking function withthe slot 38. In a further embodiment, the latch 22 may be made as anintegral part of one of the top and bottom liners 34, 36 instead of as aseparate piece. In that embodiment, the top and bottom liners 34, 36themselves may include respective sealing surfaces for hermeticallysealing the top and bottom liners 34, 36. The sealing surfaces includethe rims of the respective top and bottom liners 34, 36. In one example,the rims 44, 46 of the respective top and bottom liners 34, 36 overlapand hermetically seal against each other, when the medical tool kit 1 isin the closed position. In another example, the rim on the lower liner36 can be formed with a rubber gasket to seal against the rim on the topline 34. For example, the rubber gasket 48 can be co-molded with thelower liner 36. As a result, the medical instruments and tools insidethe medical tool kit 1 are protected against contamination. The sealcreated by the sealing surfaces can be used as an alternative to or inaddition to the sealing of the upper and lower casings.

FIGS. 11-14 shows a lamp assembly 60 for keeping the medicalinstruments, tools, and supplies in the medical tool kit 1 sterile afterthe tool case 1 has been opened, using UV light. The UV light preventscontamination of the medical instruments and tools stored inside themedical tool kit 1 while they are waiting to be used during a medicalprocedure. For example, the lamp assembly 60 is supported in the upperchamber 38 formed in the upper liner 34. In an alternative embodimentwithout the upper liner 34, the lamp assembly 60 is mounted directly inthe upper casing 10. The lamp assembly 60 includes a lamp assembly cover62, in which one or more UV lamps 64 are supported. The UV lamps 64 areelectrically connected to and thus powered by the battery 33.

In one example, one or more switches 82 are provided and connectedbetween the UV lamps 64 and the battery 33 to control the operation ofthe UV lamps 64. For example, the switch 82 can be manually turned onwhen the medical tool kit 1 is in normal use. In another example, theswitch 82 is a position switch that is closed to connect the UV lamps 64to the battery 33 for power supply when the lamp assembly 60 is openedto its operation position as is shown in FIGS. 21D and 21E.

As FIGS. 11-14 show, the lamp assembly 60 has a reflector 66 provided todirect the UV radiation generated by the UV lamps 64 during theoperation of the lamp assembly 60. In one example, the reflector 66 ispositioned between the lamp assembly cover 62 and the UV lamps 64. Ifdesired, a clear panel 68 can be used to cover the UV lamps 64 forprotection.

The various components of the lamp assembly 60 are assembled to form aunitary assembly 60. For example, the lamp assembly cover 62, thereflector 66, and the clear panel 68 are mounted to one another throughconnecting pins 70 and corresponding connecting holes 72, 74, or otherknow methods. In one example, a plurality of connecting pins 70 areformed on the lamp assembly cover 62 and pass through connecting holes72, 74 formed on the reflector 66 and the clear panel 68. The resultinglamp assembly 60 has a substantially rectangular shape and is receivedin the upper liner 34.

In one embodiment, the lamp assembly 60 is pivotably attached to theupper liner 34. A hinge pin 76 is provided to attach the lamp assembly60 to the upper liner 34. As FIGS. 11-12 show, the upper liner 34 isformed with receiving holes 78 to accommodate the hinge pin 76. Inanother example, a spring loaded hinge having a spring 80 connected, forexample, between the upper liner 34 and the lamp assembly 60, isprovided to attach the lamp assembly 60 to the upper liner 34. Thespring loaded hinge assists the opening of the lamp assembly 60. To slowthe deployment of the lamp assembly 60 from the stored position to theopened position, a dashpot 86 is arranged between the lamp assembly 60and the top liner 34 and/or upper casing 10 (see FIG. 14). The centerlatch piece 132 holds the lamp assembly 60 in the top liner 34 until theupper casing 10 is opened to a predetermined extent that providesclearance for the lamp assembly 60 pivot to the open position. As shownin FIGS. 9A and 10A, the center latch piece 132 includes a stop 132 awhich holds the lamp assembly in the top liner 34 until the upper casing10 is near the fully open position. FIG. 10A shows that the lampassembly is held in place and FIG. 9A shows that that the lamp assemblyis free to pivot outward.

Although the lamp assembly 60 is shown as being pivotable, the lampassembly may alternatively be stationarily mounted on the upper liner 34or upper casing 10 such that the UV radiation is directed onto themedical instruments, tools or supplies when the upper casing is in theopen position.

FIGS. 16-17 illustrate further details of the seal between the upper andlower casing. The upper and lower casing 10, 12 are formed withrespective upper and lower rims 16, 18. A sealing gasket 19 between theupper and lower rims 16, 18 seals the upper and lower casings 10, 12when the medical tool kit 1 is in the closed position. The sealinggasket 19 prevents dust, moisture, and/or bacteria from entering theclosed medical tool kit 1 or otherwise contaminating the contents sealedin the medical tool kit 1. FIGS. 18-19 show the positions of the upperand lower casings 10, 12 and the top and bottom liners 34, 36, as wellas the sealing gasket 19, when the medical tool kit 1 is in the fullyclosed position.

FIG. 16 also shows the tool support insert 14, i.e., a tray, formed toretain various types of medical instruments and tools (not shown). Inthe example shown in FIG. 16, the tool support insert 14 has arectangular plate shape and be received inside the lower chamber 52formed by the lower liner 36. In an alternative embodiment, the lowerliner 36 is not present and the tool support insert 14 is mounteddirectly into the lower casing 12. The tool support insert 14 is formedwith a plurality of tool wells 54 for accommodating portions of medicalinstruments, tools, and supplies to retain the same in place inside themedical tool kit 1. As is shown in FIG. 16, the tool wells 54 havevarious shapes in order to receive and retain different types of medicalinstruments, tools, and supplies.

The tool support insert 14 is removably fitted inside the lower chamber52 formed by the lower liner 36. In one example, the tool support insert14 has one or more locking tabs 56 to be removably inserted incorresponding slots 58 formed in the lower liner 36. For example, thelocking tabs 56 and the corresponding slots 58 engage with each other bya snapping locking action. Various other locking elements can beprovided to retain the tool support insert 14 in place inside the lowerchamber in the lower liner 36. As an alternative, the tool supportinsert 14 may be placed directly in the lower casing 10.

The tool support insert 14 can be formed by various methods and ofvarious materials. In one example, the tool support insert 14 is formedby molding a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic material.

The different medical instruments, tools, and/or supplies stored in themedical tool kit 1 can be used in a particular given medical procedureincluding a diagnosis or treatment procedure. In one example, themedical tool kit 1 can include a predetermined indicia to indicate thepurpose for the medical instruments and tools stored in the medical toolkit 1. In addition, or alternatively, the medical tool kit may bepersonalized for a specific doctor. The medical tool kit 1 can be colorcoded to indicate the particular procedure or purpose of the medicalinstruments, tools, and/or supplies therein. The instruments and toolsmay comprise, for example, but not limited to, knives, cutting tools,and clamps. The supplies may comprise, for example, but not limited to,bandages, gauze, antiseptic.

In one embodiment, the medical tool kit 1 is a disposable sterilemedical tool kit that provides a sterile environment for storing andtransporting sterile disposable medical instruments, tools, and/orsupplies. In this particular embodiment, the medical instruments, tools,and/or supplies and the medical tool kit 1 are sterilized, assembled andsealed at a sterile facility. The sterile medical tool kits then remainin the sterile environment within the case 1 until they are opened.

As mentioned above, procedure-specific disposable medical kits may beassembled for particular procedures, such as knee surgeries or shouldersurgeries. Alternatively, the sterile medial tool kit could includegeneric first aid instruments, tools, and/or supplies, such as, forexample for a particular user. The medical tool kit may comprise adisposable one-time use kit, in which the disposable sterile medicaltool kits are opened when required and then disposed of after use. Thisallows the medical instruments, tools, and/or supplies themselves to bemade of inexpensive materials, such as plastics. In addition, itobviates the costly re-sterilization procedure, which is typicallyrequired for medical instruments and tools.

FIGS. 21A to 21E shows the operation of the medical tool kit 1 in amedical procedure. When using the medical tool kit 1, the user firstunlocks the medical tool kit 1. In an example shown in FIG. 21A, theuser can press the release covers 24 located on the lateral sides of themedical tool kit 1 to release the latches 22. Once the medical tool kitis unlocked, the upper and lower casings 10, 12 can be opened toward theopen position, as is shown in FIG. 21B. The opening step can be carriedeither automatically through the assist of various electrical and/ormechanical mechanism or manually by the user. In one example, the springmechanism 131 incorporated in the hinge joint 30 assists in at leastpartially opening the upper and lower casings 10, 12 when the latches 22are unlocked.

During the process of opening the medical tool kit 1, the lamp assembly60 is pivoted into its operation position. In one example shown in FIG.21C, when the upper and lower casings 10, 12 are opened to about 70° ormore, the lamp assembly 60 pivots open to its operation position. In anexample, the opening operation of the lamp assembly 60 is assisted by aspring mechanism in a spring loaded hinge as described above.

Additionally or alternatively, the UV lamps 64 can be turned on when thelamp assembly 60 is being opened to its operation position. In oneexample, the user can manually turn on a light switch connecting the UVlamps 64 to the battery 33. In another example, the UV lamps 64 can beautomatically turned on through the operation of an appropriateelectrical control circuit. For example, the UV lamps 64 are turned onwhen the lamp assembly 60 is opened to its operation position as isshown in FIGS. 21D and 21E.

When the medical tool kit 1 is fully opened as is shown in FIGS. 21D and21E, the upper and lower casings 10, 12 are substantially perpendicularto each other to allow easy access to the medical instruments and toolsinside the medical tool kit 1. Additionally or alternatively, the lampassembly 60 is oriented substantially parallel to the tool supportinsert 14 to allow UV light to illuminate the medical instruments andtools retained on the tool support insert 14. The UV illumination canreduce the possibility of microbial contamination after the medical toolkit 1 is opened during normal use in a medical procedure.

In one embodiment, the lamp assembly 60 includes a switch 82, whichactuates the UV lamps 64 when the lamp assembly 60 is moved to theoperation position (see FIG. 11). The switch may be a mechanical switchthat senses the position of the lamp assembly. In a further embodiment,the switch 82 may comprise an optical or light-sensitive switch thatactuates the UV lamp 64 when the case is opened and the switch senseslight. In embodiments in which the lamp assembly 60 does not movebetween a storage and operation position, the switch may alternativelybe a manual switch.

Furthermore, the medical tool kit 1 may incorporate an aerosol sprayer184 containing an antiseptic. In one embodiment, the aerosol sprayer 184may simply be available as one of the supplies for use by a user. In afurther embodiment, the sprayer may be actuated upon opening the case orwhen the lamp assembly 60 is in the operation position. The aerosolsprayer may be actuated mechanically or electrically using the same or adifferent switch for actuating the UV light using any known or hereafterdeveloped method. In a specific embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the aerosolsprayer 184 is mounted in the upper casing 10. Alternatively, theaerosol sprayer could be mounted in the upper liner 34. An arm 186 hasone end pivotally connected at a sidewall of the lower casing 12. Anopposing end of the arm is pivotally connected to a sliding member 187that is mounted in a rail or guide 188 in the upper casing 10. As thecasings 10, 12 are opened, the sliding member 187 slides on the rail orguide 188 toward the aerosol sprayer 184 and actuates the sprayer 184when the casings 10, 12 reach the open position. The mechanicalactuation occurs by interaction between the sliding member 187 (or apart connected thereto) and a valve of the aerosol sprayer.

In one embodiment, the medical kits of the present invention aredesigned for a one-time field use. In that case, the antiseptic can becontinuously sprayed because it is only required for the one use.However, if the case is to be reused, then the antiseptic and the UVlight can be intermittently actuated to save the battery and/or aerosolspray for future use.

In accordance with the present invention, medical tool kit 1 may furtherincorporate a GPS tracking device or other position signaling device 190as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. GPS device 190 may be secured within lowercasing 12 proximate battery 33 and is actuatable by a switch, such asswitch 82 described above. GPS device 190 is in an unpowered state (i.e.is not transmitting) when upper casing 10 is secured to lower casing 12in a closed position. Upon opening the casing, such as during a medicalemergency, the switch is closed thereby allowing battery 33 to supplyelectrical power to GPS tracking device 190 so as to cause the GPSdevice to broadcast the kit's location. In this manner, remote firstresponders or other medical personnel may quickly locate the kit (andpresumably the injured party). Any suitable switch may be employed, suchas a mechanical switch or an optical or light sensitive switch.Additional switches may include for instance, and without necessarilylimited the present invention thereto, a magnetically actuated switchingdevice such as a Hall Effect sensor or reed switch in operationalconfiguration with latch 22 and lock release 24 (as shown in FIG. 2A) orlatch 22 and slot 38 (as shown in FIG. 8). Similarly, one or more ofhinges 130, 132 may include a magnetic switch or other suitablemechanical switch such that pivoting upper casing 10 away from lowercasing 12 results in power being supplied to the GPS tracking device190. GPS tracking device 190 may emit a continuous signal or may, forsake of prolonging battery life, emit a signal intermittently.

In accordance with the present invention, medical tool kit 1 may furtherinclude an external light assembly, such as light emitting diode (LED)assembly 191, and handle assembly 192 with external switch 193 as shownin FIGS. 24 and 25. LED assembly 191 may be mounted to one or both ofupper and lower casings 10, 12 and is connected to battery 33, to supplypower for the LED assembly 191, and to an external switch 193. Theexternal switch 193 is capable of completing the electrical circuitcontaining the LED assembly 191, battery 33 and sufficient electricalresistance. In one embodiment the handle assembly 192 can be in astorage position that reduces the overall footprint of the medical kit 1as shown in FIG. 25B and the operation position in FIG. 24C.

Turning now to FIGS. 26A and 26B, in accordance with the presentinvention, medical tool kit 1 may further comprise a two waycommunication assembly capable of connecting to local emergencypersonnel. In one aspect of the present invention, the two waycommunication assembly comprises a microphone speaker assembly 194 and adisplay 195, such as a touch screen liquid crystal display (LCD).Microphone speaker assembly 194 and display 195 may be configured toestablish wireless communication with remove emergency personnel, suchas through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. The microphonespeaker assembly 194 and display 195 are connected to battery 33 (seeFIG. 3) whereby battery 33 supplies the necessary power to microphonespeaker assembly 194 and display 195. Battery 33 may be actuatable by aswitch, such as switch 82 described above. Upon opening the casing, suchas during a medical emergency, switch 82 is closed thereby allowingbattery 33 to supply electrical power to the microphone speaker assembly194 and display 195. The two way communication assembly may use GPStracking device 190 (see FIG. 23) so as to cause medical kit 1 toinitiate communications with local emergency personnel. Once a line ofcommunication has been established, it is envisioned that medical kit 1may be utilized to provide procedural instructions for the user, as wellas streamlining the process of patient acceptance at a local medicalcenter should the user need hospitalization.

As shown in FIGS. 27A, 27B and 28, in accordance with a further aspectof the present invention, medical tool kit 1 may further comprise atablet assembly comprising a tablet device 196 and associated mountinghardware 197. Tablet assembly may be comprised of tablet device 196 andtablet mounting hardware 197 wherein tablet mounting hardware 197 may bemounted to one or both of upper and lower casings 10, 12, with tabletdevice 196 removably secured within mounting hardware 197. Tabletmounting hardware 197 may comprise a pair of generally C-shapedbrackets, each of which defines a channel adapted to receive tabletdevice 196. The channel may be dimensioned so as to be slightly largerthan the width of tablet device 196 such that the tablet device residessnuggly within the channel. In one aspect of the present invention, eachbracket is constructed of a rigid yet flexible material such that thechannel may be flexed open a sufficient amount so as to enable insertionor removal of tablet device 196. In a further aspect of the presentinvention, tablet mounting hardware 197 is constructed of a rigidmaterial such that tablet device 196 may be inserted or removed bysliding within the channel.

The tablet device 196 may be configured to include microphone speakerassembly 194 and touch screen display 195 which are configured forwireless communication similar to the medical tool kit described abovewith regard to FIGS. 26A and 26B. Tablet device 196 may furtherincorporate GPS device 190 (FIG. 23), and battery 33 (FIG. 3). Uponopening the casing, such as during a medical emergency as describedabove, switch 82 (see FIG. 11) may be closed so as to thereby supplyelectrical power to the tablet device 196. Alternatively, tablet device196 may include a dedicated tablet battery which may be powered on viaan actuator/switch (not shown) resident on tablet device 196. Tabletdevice 196 may further be configured to include a memory storage device,a central processing unit (CPU) and associated. In cases where wirelesscommunications are inoperable or should microphone speaker assembly 194and/or touch screen display 195 be unable to establish a wirelesscommunication connection, medical procedure information may be accessedvia tablet device 196 by accessing stored data from the memory storagedevice using touch screen display 195 or other input device known in theart (not shown). In accordance with this aspect of the presentinvention, tablet device 196 is envisioned to be an Apple iPad,Microsoft Surface or Samsung Galaxy or similar electronic device.

Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out fundamentalnovel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodimentthereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutionsand changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and intheir operation, may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expresslyintended that all combinations of those elements and/or method stepswhich perform substantially the same function in substantially the sameway to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention.Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/ormethod steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosedform or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any otherdisclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a generalmatter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limitedonly as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A medical tool kit for storing and transporting medical instruments and supplies, comprising: a case housing that includes a first housing part and a second housing part, the first housing part and the second housing part being movable with respect to each other between a closed configuration and an open configuration; a central processing unit; a memory storage device that stores medical procedure information; a touchscreen display device secured to the case housing, the memory storage device, central processing unit, and the touch screen display device being configured to provide user access to the medical procedure information that is stored by the memory storage device as a result of user interaction with the touchscreen display device; a battery to power the touchscreen display device; and a plurality of medical instruments and medical supplies included within an interior of the case housing.
 22. The medical tool kit of claim 21, wherein the plurality of medical instruments and medical supplies are stored within a plurality of tool wells.
 23. The medical tool kit of claim 21, wherein the first housing part and the second housing part being movable with respect to each other includes the first housing part being hingedly connected to the second housing part.
 24. The medical tool kit of claim 21, wherein the medical procedure information that is stored by the memory storage device and to which user access is provided through user interaction with the touchscreen display device includes a library of certified medical procedures as defined by a regulatory agency.
 25. The medical tool kit of claim 24, wherein the memory storage device, the central processing unit, and the touchscreen display device are configured to provide user access to the library of certified medical procedures while the medical tool kit is without a wireless communication connection.
 26. The medical tool kit of claim 21, wherein: the medical procedure information that is stored by the memory storage device and to which user access is provided through user interaction with the touchscreen display device comprises a medical treatment procedure; and the plurality of medical instruments and medical supplies included within the interior of the case housing are configured for use in the medical treatment procedure.
 27. The medical tool kit of claim 26, wherein the medical procedure information that is stored by the memory storage device and to which user access is provided through user interaction with the touchscreen display device comprises a medical diagnosis procedure in addition to the medical treatment procedure.
 28. The medical tool kit of claim 21, wherein the plurality of medical instruments and medical supplies includes a cutting tool and a bandage.
 29. The medical tool kit of claim 28, wherein the plurality of medical instruments and medical supplies includes gauze and antiseptic.
 30. The medical tool kit of claim 21, comprising a communication assembly configured to use a wireless communication protocol.
 31. The medical tool kit of claim 30, wherein the communication assembly is configured to connect a user of the medical tool kit with remote emergency personnel.
 32. The medical tool kit of claim 30, wherein the communication assembly comprises a two-way communication assembly.
 33. The medical tool kit of claim 32, wherein the two-way communication assembly comprises a microphone and speaker configured to provide, in conjunction with the touchscreen display device, a hands-free audio and visual connection between a user of the medical tool kit and remote emergency personnel.
 34. The medical tool kit of claim 21, wherein the touchscreen display device is secured within the interior of the case housing such that the touchscreen display device is inaccessible to a user of the medical tool kit when the case housing has the closed orientation.
 35. The medical tool kit of claim 34, wherein the touchscreen display device is removably secured within the interior of the case housing, such that the touchscreen display device is user detachable from mounting hardware secured to the case housing.
 36. The medical tool kit of claim 21, wherein: the first housing part has a rectangular shape; and the second housing part has a rectangular shape.
 37. The medical tool kit of claim 21, comprising a microphone, wherein the medical tool kit is configured to receive voice activated commands using the microphone.
 38. The medical tool kit of claim 21, comprising a communications assembly, wherein the medical tool kit is configured to receive procedural instructions via the communications assembly and present the procedural instructions to a user of the medical tool kit.
 39. The medical tool kit of claim 21, comprising a position signaling device adapted to transmit a geographical location of the medical tool kit.
 40. The medical tool kit of claim 21, comprising a tablet computing device that includes the central processing unit, the memory storage device, and the touchscreen display device.
 41. The medical tool kit of claim 40, comprising a bracket mounted to the first housing part to secure the tablet computing device to the first housing part.
 42. The medical tool kit of claim 21, comprising a tool support insert mounted within the second housing part, the tool support insert defining multiple wells that are differently-shaped to hold at least some of the plurality of medical instruments and medical supplies within the interior of the case housing. 